The Election

Maybe it's safe to answer the phone now or at least to retrieve your voice mail.

By Wednesday my home phone has returned to near normal and I've calmed down a little and my answering manners are more civilized.

Those election campaign messages we've been getting every day for the last several weeks have taken their toll on me. Blood pressure is back to normal and my disposition.

Yes I voted and I' m proud of it. But I will tell you that I did not vote the way I did because of any automated phone message I got at home. I made my choices the old fashioned way. because of what I learned about the candidates and the issues by reading what I wanted to read, when I wanted to read it and if I wanted to read it or by asking questions to some one who may or may not have had the answers. I did not listen to one single automated telephonic election message. I did so for the sake of the candidate or issue involved in those calls. They would have either not gotten my vote or would have received my “no” vote.

My time is my time and if I want to discuss election issues or candidates I'll do it my way.

This whole communication thing is getting more out or hand and I'm sure it will get worse. Constant radio and television ads are bad enough. I can turn 'em out and I can turn 'em off if and when I choose. Praise the inventor of the mute button on the remote control.

Print ads are there for the reading. I can read it if I want or ignore it if I want. But the telephone thing is different. I have to get up to answer the phone or even check my caller ID feature. Saved messages aren't any better.

I will listen to a live voice on the phone IF I choose to. At least the candidate or his or her supporter is making a personal contact effort. I can exercise my right to listen, ask questions or simply let them know, politely I'm not interested.

So pholks let me say right here that I congratulate the winners and offer condolences to the losers. The election is over. Just remember for next time, don't call me, I'll call you. And, it will be in person.

IN PERSON, IS HOW newlyweds Dave and Linda Wind found out about Hawaii's big early quake last month.

Dave, developer and owner of Sundowner Homes of Visalia, and his bride were on the seventh floor of a 12-story condo in Maui when the 6.7 quake struck, putting the building into a swaying mode which Dave says lasted a lot longer than the California quakes he has experienced.

National media accounts also described the quake as lasting longer than most shakers.

The main quake struck at 7a.m. with a major aftershock coming at 7:10 a.m. and knocking out power to the condo.

Leaving the building via the emergency stairway was quite an experience, but there was no panic among the guests who gathered outside. It was about a hour or more before it was determined that a tsuisami was not coming and things returned to near normal. Little damage was reported on the Islands but the Winds say they will take California quakes over Hawaii ones, if they have the choice again.

Miles can be reached at mshuper@valleyvoicenewspaper.com